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Newmarket heading in the right direction
NEWMARKET Rugby Club head coach Alisdair Davey is confident his side’s latest victory can act as the springboard needed to help steer them clear from the drop zone.
After a torrid first half of the season, which saw Newmarket pick up just one win, the Scaltback side have posted two victories in their last three matches, the latest coming on Saturday with a 31-11 success against fellow strugglers Campion.
As a result of the win, it moved Newmarket off the foot of the London League Division Three North East table.
“It was a very encouraging win,“ said Davey. “Although the first half was a scrappy the players really showed their character in the second half,
“It was good to see us finally put a team away. The failure to finish teams off this season has been a big problem.
“Even though we have only moved up one position and still have work to do, it is another small step up the table.”
Despite his side still being involved in a relegation battle, the Australian coach believes the club’s change in fortunes since the turn of the year has been down to a change in attitude among the players.
“There seems to be a new found commitment within the club,” he added. “Players are now seeming more committed to training as they battle for a place in the side.
“Another big plus is the fact that we being able to field very similar sides week in week out which we did not have earlier on in the season.
“You can feel the difference in attitude at the club and this has shown with the three results so far in 2012.
“Although relegation has been in the back of my mind it is something I have not put too much thought into.
“I believe the players we have are good enough to get the results needed to avoid relegation.”
Newmarket will be hoping to carry on their solid start to 2012 when visiting mid-table South Woodham Ferrers on Saturday (2.15pm).
Earlier this season, the Essex side inflicted a 36-7 defeat on Newmarket at Scaltback. Davey is likely to have a near full strength squad to choose from, with only long-term injury absentee Richard Harper expected to be missing for the clash.
“We are nearly back to full strength and as long as we concentrate on worrying about our game plan and concentrating on our strong points then I can’t see any reason why we can’t bag another win,” added Davey.
n Full match report, turn to Page 62.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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